De Buyer vs Matfer Skillet

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De Buyer Mineral B vs. Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel: Which Carbon Steel Skillet Is Better?

Carbon steel is the secret weapon of restaurant kitchens. It seasons just like cast iron and sears steaks just as hard, but weighs nearly 40% less and responds to burner adjustments much faster. The two French heavyweights in the category are the De Buyer Mineral B and the Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel.

Quick Verdict: Which Pan Wins?

• Buy the De Buyer Mineral B if: You cook on an electric coil, glass-top, or induction stove and want a slightly thicker 3mm bottom that resists warping under high heat.

• Buy the Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel if: You want a completely smooth interior with zero rivets where food can get trapped, plus a pan that can go straight into a 500°F oven without worrying about a coated handle.

1. Handle Construction: Rivets vs. Welds (Winner: Matfer Bourgeat)

 De Buyer uses three heavy steel rivets to attach its handle to the pan wall. While rock-solid, oil and scrambled egg residue eventually build up around those rivet heads. Matfer Bourgeat welds its handle directly to the outside of the pan wall, leaving the inside of the skillet 100% smooth and effortless to wipe clean.

2. Oven Safety & Handle Coating (Winner: Matfer Bourgeat) 

The standard De Buyer Mineral B has an epoxy-coated steel handle designed to stay slightly cooler on the stovetop, which limits prolonged oven use to roughly 400°F for 10 minutes before the coating softens. Matfer Bourgeat uses bare, uncoated strip steel for its handle, meaning you can throw it under a 550°F broiler or directly over open campfire grates with zero issues.

3. Factory Coating & First Seasoning (Winner: De Buyer) 

De Buyer coats its Mineral B pans in natural organic beeswax to prevent rust in shipping—you simply rinse with hot water, wipe off the excess wax, and start seasoning. Matfer uses a tougher industrial anti-rust oil coating that takes a solid 10-minute scrub with hot soapy water and potato peels or barkeeper's cleanser to strip before your first seasoning layer.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." — Matthew 5:9 (KJV)